Nigeria Premier League

Man City clinch Super Cup in tense penalty shootout

In a battle of titans on a hot night in Piraeus, Manchester City and Sevilla tussled for the UEFA Super Cup. The game, underlined by passion and technique, ended in a 1-1 stalemate but the drama extended into penalties.

City’s Sterling Performance Meets Sevilla’s Resilience
The action-packed encounter saw Pep Guardiola’s City dominate large swathes of the game. Their intricate play was characterised by Phil Foden’s drifting movements, which seamlessly interconnected the midfield and attack. A surprise inclusion in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Foden’s nimble touches and quick turns painted a familiar narrative – Manchester City’s penchant for holding the reins.

However, Sevilla, ever the European stalwarts, showcased their continental pedigree by containing City’s free-flowing football. Despite enduring phases where they seemed spellbound by City’s footballing dance, they remained firm, waiting for their moment.

City’s Momentary Lapse and Sevilla’s Strike
Just when it looked like City were invincible, a rare mistake in their half proved costly. Kovacic’s error led to a beautifully flighted ball from Marcos Acuña that found the lethal Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan striker showcased his aerial prowess, leaving Ederson no chance, and drawing first blood for Sevilla.

City, though momentarily stunned, regrouped. The absences of De Bruyne, Gündogan, and Silva were palpable. The fluidity was slightly amiss, and Foden, despite his best efforts, couldn’t change the tide single-handedly.

Palmer’s Golden Touch
Enter Cole Palmer. The young winger, thriving in the void left by Riyad Mahrez, made his mark. A deft header off Rodri’s perfect cross restored parity, and just like that, City was back. The goal, as well as his overall performance, raises questions about Palmer’s future under Guardiola – a tantalising subplot to the evening’s drama.

An Edge-of-the-Seat Finish
The final whistle couldn’t separate the two sides. Tensions ran high as players braced themselves for the dreaded penalty shootout.

The penalties mirrored the match’s intensity. Every shot echoed the determination and the weight of the occasion. City’s quintet – Haaland, Álvarez, Kovacic, Grealish, and Walker – showcased nerves of steel, ensuring a perfect record. But, Nemanja Gudelj’s miss for Sevilla proved decisive, gifting Manchester City the UEFA Super Cup.

Guardiola’s Dream Continues
With the Super Cup in the bag, City’s unprecedented trophy run shows no signs of abating. The next trophy, the Club World Cup in December, is now within arm’s reach. The Community Shield might have eluded them, but the dream of an almost perfect season is very much alive.

Nigeria Premier League

Rivers United Back To Top Spot In NPFL Title Race

Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland.

Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

Scorenigeria

Nigeria Premier League

Ahmed Musa Donates ₦500,000 Each To Kano Pillars, Mighty Teams

According to govima.com, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Icon, Ahmed Musa, has generously donated ₦500,000 each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and Mighty Jets Under-19 team. This gesture was in recognition of their impressive performances in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League.

The donation followed Kano Pillars Under-19’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in a highly competitive match held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The game showcased remarkable skill and determination from both sides, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s budding football talents.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, personally attended the match alongside his Kano Pillars teammates. He stayed to witness the conclusion of the Youth League fixture before joining his team’s training session in preparation for their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 clash against Lobi Stars.

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Musa continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Since rejoining Kano Pillars, he has been instrumental in the team’s performance, contributing to 95% of their goals this season. Over the weekend, he scored his fifth goal of the season, a powerful header against Heartland FC, while also providing three assists and winning three penalties for his side.

Musa’s commitment to grassroots football development was evident in this latest act of generosity, which aims to motivate young players to pursue excellence. The Under-19 Youth League, a platform designed to uncover future stars, aligns perfectly with his vision for the growth of Nigerian football.

As Kano Pillars prepare to face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, fans are hopeful that Musa’s leadership and stellar form will continue to drive the four-time Nigerian champions towards success.

Ahmed Musa’s unwavering dedication to supporting the sport at all levels underscores his enduring legacy in Nigerian football, making him a role model for the next generation of players. His contributions, both financial and motivational, remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a true ambassador of the game.

Nigeria Premier League

Shehu Abdullahi : The Maestro’s Midfield Magic

By Abdul A Kaugama

Shehu Abdullahi’s outstanding performance in Kano Pillars’ recent match has left fans and critics in awe. The midfielder’s clinical work and vision on the pitch prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

With precision passing and exceptional control, Shehu dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his mastery of the midfield.

His experience and skill were evident as he effortlessly navigated the opposition’s defense. The fans’ electrifying energy was matched only by Shehu’s infectious passion for the game.

Shehu’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His display of top-notch football skills is a clarion call for his return to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s national team needs his expertise and leadership to excel on the international stage.

In conclusion, Shehu Abdullahi’s impressive form is a welcome development for Nigerian football. As he continues to dazzle fans with his midfield magic, we eagerly anticipate his next move.
May Allah continue to bless Shehu Abdullahi with strength, wisdom, and success in his football career.